Are chicks even remotly likely to give me diseases like salmonella?

[Roosterboy]

We were in the dentists office today and guess what my mom happened to find? An article all about turtles, lizards, and chicks

At first this sounded good but it turned out to be completely about how they can give you salmonella and herpes.

Now whenever i bring up chicks she says something like "they'll make you sick"

Well, i was wondering if this was a concern. Some type of statistic or reason for this article would be great too.

I am counting on you guys or i won't be getting any spring chicken this year!

 

[Hotwings]

If you unsure I would always disenfect your hands after handling any animal. I have handled a lot of chicks and never got sick as well as adult birds, but this just me.

 

[nzpouter]

tell your mum "I'm constantly handling them to build my immunity".

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

In order to get sick from salmonella:

You would have to lick 10 broiler carcasses and eat 2 lbs. of soiled litter. Unless you're willing to do that...then no worries! lol!

 

[vortec]

Quote:
Um....Uh oh!

 

[CritterHill]

I have an immune suppressed 5 year old who still sucks her thumb and "forgets" to use soap to wash her hands after handling the chickens that she has raised from day old hatchlings last spring.

So far, no salmonella or herpes.

*crosses fingers*

 

[Renee]

There is a remote possibility of getting salmonella from chickens. If you eat their droppings or put the chicks in your mouth it is possible you will develop salmonella poisoning.

 

[Teresaann24]

My cousin has raised chickens for 22 years and kisses everyone she comes in contact with. She is still kicking..LOL

 

[Suellyn]

There is a "remote possibility" of disease, parasites, injury etc., etc., from interacting with ANY animal!!!!!!! Dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, parrots, rattlesnakes, and yep, CHICKS...

It's important to keep it in perspective, though... a LOT of articles you read can be a bit, ummmm, alarmist (to say the least!), and common sense combined with reasonable hygenic practices go a LONG WAY in keeping one safe and healthy.

Soooooooo.... wash your hands after handling chicks (or ANY animal!) and don't eat chicken poo!

Oh, and stay away from peanut butter... I hear its far riskier as far as salmonella goes..

 

[moduckman]

Yes there is a "remote" possibility. I think it would be in poor judgement to say you cannot get it. Two trains of thought though, one - always wash your hands after handling birds and their eggs. Two - think of all the people, even the people here at BYC, that has birds and are still healthy. I would think you have a better chance of getting struck by lightening. Remember, good hygene and enjoy your birds.